Monday, Sept 15, 2014: Duluth, MN to near Virginia, MN

Cal knew that this morning would be a tough ride.  He had to peddle up out of the river bottom at Duluth.  It seemed like continuous hills.  Thank goodness the shoulders of the roads were wide.  He finally arrived at Hwy #53.  We will be on Hwy #53 until we arrive at our destination, International Falls, MN, approximately 162 miles. The end is almost in sight!

Hills and scenery near Duluth

Country Church

Cal Bundled up to stay warm

Tonight we are staying with Rotary friends on Lake Vermillion so around 3:30 Cal stopped riding and we drove to our friends beautiful lakeside home.  Cal had hoped to ride a little farther today, but due to the hills he was short of his goal.  He rode 53 miles today.

I need to say a bit about the Rotarians we stayed with tonight.  Both of us couples were in Australia for the International Convention.  We were waiting for Registration to open when we met – a long way to go to meet someone!!  You never know who you will meet around the Rotary Wheel!  They definitely have a piece of Paradise on Lake Vermillion, MN where they live the year around.  He has a company that deals with the production of rubber lining for pipes that are involved in transporting iron ore.  We had no idea of the extent of the iron ore resources in this area.

Being on a Lake meant a boat ride before going to dinner at the lovely Fountain Bay Casino Country Club.    Lake Vermillion covers a large area and there are many lovely homes facing the waterfront.  Fountain Bay Casino is on Native American grounds.  We had a lovely meal and evening.

Boat Ride on Lake Vermillion

Boat and Dock

Our Friends Lake Front Home

View of the Lake from the Deck

Morning View of the Lake